Blood Engines (Marla Mason, Book 1)

by Tim Pratt and T.A. Pratt

Meet Marla Mason--smart, saucy, slightly wicked witch of the East Coast. . . . Sorcerer Marla Mason, small-time guardian of the city of Felport, has a big problem. A rival is preparing a powerful... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553589989
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Spectra
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.8" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

Absorbing and unique urban fantasy

I had heard some of Mr. Pratt's stories on fantasy/sci-fi podcasts I listen to and his style intrigued me. When I saw that this book was free for Kindle, I snapped it up. I was not disappointed. Blood Engines is an urban fantasy set in a world that is close to modern day but with complex magics. I really loved the reality set forth in these books. The magical possibilities described were varied and fascinating, and I get the sense that there are many others waiting to be utilized in future books. Very creative. I also found myself enjoying the characters. Sometimes Marla's ultimate practicality is a little off-putting, but the author does not compromise his character for audience comfort. She is harsh because she has to be, and I ended up loving her anyway. Her companion, Rondeau, could have been explored a little more, but I suspect his secrets are gifts to be unwrapped further as the series progresses. The wizards/sorcerers/creatures they meet throughout the book are as varied and fascinating as the magical realities they work in. I found this book impossible to put down, and I will definitely be checking out the others in the series.

Pleasant Surprise

This isn't my type of book at all. The subject matter reminds me of that "Dresden Files" show, which didn't really interest me. But the writing is just wonderful, and the character development is brilliant, and I was completely sucked in. Marla is so intriguing and complicated. And now I'm about to download Poison Sleep, so I guess maybe it's my type of book, after all...

Surprisingly pretty good

Honestly, I only started reading this because it was free on my kindle...but I was surprised. Pratt has created an interesting world of magic that reminds me of the tv series Charmed. This is not great literature, but the plot and language are interesting. Pratt uses some interesting devices very well. The Witch of Possibilities is an interesting take on the many worlds theory, for example. I am surprised that this was Pratt's first published work. I found it quite entertaining, and I plan on paying for the sequel.

Marla is tough!

No synopsis here, everyone can read the preview. I do want the reader to know this book is awsome. The main characteer isn't into fuzzy bunnies (she might just sacrafice one though) and is tough. This book earns top scores because it doesn't get bogged down with sex, too much ridiculous paranormal (ie vampires with fashion sense) and is just plain fun.

Something new

Finally something for those of us who like urban fantasy but are not too fond of romance novels. A powerful. mostly immoral sorceress, Her possessed sidekick and a former hollywood star are out to save San Francisco, not out of any 'good' motive but because the bad guy has torqued her off and has something she needs to save her own life. Fans of the Dresden Files and the early Anite blake books should love this, anyone who likes urban fantasy will probably not be disappointed.